The problem with weight loss and other sorts of large, daunting projects is that morale and focus tend to evaporate pretty quickly when you don't hold yourself

The problem with weight loss and other sorts of large, daunting projects is that morale and focus tend to evaporate pretty quickly when you don't hold yourself accountable and don't see immediate results. Whether it's weighing yourself every day or keeping a food journal, these sort of small, incremental data points help you keep focused in the short term. Tracking them over larger time frames keeps you focused in the long term. When you want to learn a new language, you can't just say, "I'll look over some words this week, and if I'm not happy with my progress I'll do more next week," - you have to have a day-to-day plan to go over X number of flash cards, or talk for X number of minutes with a native speaker. Small, manageable, tangible goals are the key to weight loss, and tracking ones weight and intake meticulously allows you to set such goals.